Can in-car conversations actually make driving safer?

ERIE, Pa., April 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Distracted driving kills more than 172,000 people a year, and according to police data analyzed by Erie Insurance, "daydreaming" or being "lost in thought" is the top distraction associated with fatal car crashes.

"Daydreaming behind the wheel is common because driving has become so routine, and many people see it as a time to just relax," said Jon Bloom, vice president of personal auto, Erie Insurance.  "Texting and driving is still very dangerous, and no one should do it, ever, but we also want to make drivers aware of daydreaming as a less understood driving distraction."

To coincide with Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Erie Insurance reached out to Paul Atchley, Ph.D., an internationally recognized cognitive behavioral researcher, to provide tips on how to stay alert behind the wheel. Dr. Atchley has spent much of his career studying distracted driving and works with numerous national safety organizations to reduce it.

He offers three ways to stay alert behind the wheel. Check out this video featuring Dr. Atchley sharing these tips and more.

Dr. Atchley also recommends keeping your mind engaged by having a conversation with a passenger – but not with someone on the phone.

"A conversation on a cell phone is very different than a conversation with a passenger," said Dr. Atchley. "Sure, they both occupy your brain, but that cell phone conversation isn't going to stop when traffic gets heavy, whereas the conversation with the passenger will."

"We're sharing this information because we want to not only insure our customers' cars, but also protect their lives," added Bloom.

About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 10th largest homeowners insurer and 12th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 15th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.

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SOURCE Erie Insurance